Republican lawmakers said problems at the department, including allegations that veterans died while waiting for appointments and an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, necessitate a change in leadership at a key time for the agency.

“I wish the White House, instead of traveling around the country talking about the urgency of climate change, would take with equal urgency about this failure of leadership and incompetence at the VA,” Sen. John Cornyn (R., Texas) told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) echoed those remarks, saying it had been an “embarrassing period” for the department.

Backers of Mr. Shinseki said the calls for his resignation were premature. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid(D., Nev.) said he supported a complete investigation into allegations that veterans died while waiting for appointments at a veteran’s hospital in Phoenix. But he cautioned that the department is under tremendous strain and that steps are being taken to resolve issues.

“He’s been given a tremendous burden, they have millions of veterans who are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan,” Mr. Reid said. “He is trying to do it all, he is a fine man and a dedicated patriot to our country.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.), who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said in a statement that he plans to hold hearings on the VA problems. But, he added, “while it might be temporarily satisfying to call for firing someone, it doesn’t get us any closer to the truth or solve problems that may exist.”

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.